(03-08-2024, 03:16 PM)flsprtsgod Wrote:

(03-08-2024, 02:26 PM)Protozoa Wrote: So at this point best case scenario we are going to be one injury at center away from having the same starting oline as last year. Can't say I'm surprised as Pederson made every excuse in the book for the line last year. At this point I'd be more shocked if they actually replace Fortner then if they left him as the starter.

So there's no chance we sign additional linemen next week and draft more in April? It's just beyond the realm of possibility here on March 8, 2024 that they might add some players or that the aforementioned Tugboat might win a job in camp?

And which starting line are you referring to going back to? Which game in particular because we went through:

Little Bartch Fortner Sherff Harrison
Little Shatley Fortner Sherff Harrison
Robinson Little Fortner Sherff Harrison
Robinson Shatley Fortner Sherff Harrison
Robinson Cleveland Fortner Sherff Harrison
Little Cleveland Fortner Sherff Harrison

We also had snaps given to Shatley at left and right tackle, Blake Hance (LT, RG, RT), and Cole Van Lanen (RT).

It was MASH unit over there resulting in the musical chairs, not just about the one weak link the middle, but resolving the center position will go a ways towards making all the rest look better. It's just kinda overdone to talk about all the things they aren't going to do today when we know Trent likes free agents.

Even when the best 5 were on the field they were a bottom tier oline, poor center play and injuries didnt cause that. As you pointed out our line was a MASH unit due to injuries and were bring back each one of the linemen that led to that problem and hoping they stay healthy this year. If you think they are going to sign anyone other than a career backup for the line at this point you're setting yourself up for disappointment. Infact them replacing Fortner at this point would be more of shock to me than him being the day one starter this year.

You're welcome to disagree but after the season everyone was sure the middle of the line was changing and here we are the weekend before free agency with 4 of the 5 linemen highly likely to be the same.

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